Panasonic SC-ZT2 full-wireless 3D audio system outed

Panasonic have announced their first “full wireless” 3D audio system, the Panasonic SC-ZT2, promising Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD 7.1-channel surround-sound with only two speakers. Each slender speaker houses four one-inch tweeters together with an integrated long-stroke woofer; they all point down, reflecting sound off of the floor so as to mimic a regular surround-sound setup. Meanwhile there are also two new surround bar speaker systems, the SC-HTB10 and SC-HTB500.

Thanks to Audio Return Channel (ARC) a single HDMI cable will be enough for the SC-ZT2’s input, and it also supports Full HD 3D image and video pass-through. It’s available now, priced at $999.95.

As for the Panasonic SC-HTB10 and SC-HTB500, they have a single HDMI 1.4a input and another output, and support 3D passthrough. The smaller SC-HTB10 packs an integrated subwoofer, while the SC-HTB500 is designed for larger screen TV displays and comes with a separate wireless Kelton subwoofer. The SC-HTB10 will go on sale this month, priced at $199.95, while the SC-HTB500 will follow on in August for $349.95.

Press Release:

PANASONIC’S WIRELESS AUDIO SPEAKER SYSTEM
MADE FOR FULL HD 3D
DELIVERS FULL SOUND WITHOUT CABLES

SECAUCUS, NJ (June 2, 2010) – Panasonic today announced that its first fully wireless home theater audio system made for Full HD 3D is now reaching store shelves. Panasonic’s elegant new SC-ZT2 is a wireless, design-matching solution for the Full HD 3D home theater system. It produces rich surround sound with the life-like ambience of a 7.1-channel system, while using only two speakers. When paired with the new Panasonic DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray 3D™ player, the SC-ZT2 provides the high definition surround sound audio portion of Full HD 3D, allowing home theater enthusiasts, including those with 3D theater systems, to do away with speaker cables running across the room.

The SC-ZT2 is compatible with Audio Return Channel (ARC), which allows receiving audio signal from the TV through a single HDMI cable. This new feature simplifies the set-up by eliminating the need for a separate optical audio connection. It also supports Full HD 3D images and video.

Panasonic’s advanced proprietary virtual technology lets users enjoy Dolby® TrueHD and DTS™-HD 7.1-channel surround sound with only two speakers. Each speaker houses four one-inch tweeters. These tweeters are vertically aligned and emit sounds parallel to the floor, enabling one to listen from anywhere in the room, regardless of lying down or sitting on a sofa. With its ultra-slim design, the SC-ZT2 system has a minimum of unwanted sound reflections, thus delivering crisp, clear sounds directly to listeners.

The speakers also boast an integrated long-stroke woofer, with a diameter of approximately five inches, which generates sounds from the low-frequency range to deep bass that is typically produced by subwoofers. It uses a Down-Fire structure which uses the floor as an acoustical reflector to produce dynamic bass sounds that are extremely robust for the size of the speakers. With woofers in both speaker stands, listeners experience rich bass sounds from the front, back, left and right sides of the system.

Stylish and space-saving, the Panasonic SC-ZT2 wireless audio system includes two ultra slim pole speakers and a wireless receiver. It is an ideal complement to a flat-panel TV and Blu-ray player. The SC-ZT2 is now available with a suggested retail price of $999.95.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

Press Release:

PANASONIC DEBUTS ITS FIRST SURROUND BAR AUDIO SYSTEMS
WITH 3D PASS THROUGH

SECAUCUS, NJ (June 2, 2010) – Panasonic today announced that its first surround bar home theater speaker systems, models SC-HTB10 and SC-HTB500 will reach store shelves this summer. Both models fit neatly in front of the TV and offer an easy to install, stylish alternative to a home theater sound system. They are equipped with a single HDMI 1.4 input, which will pass through 3D video from a connected Blu-ray 3D™ player and a single HDMI 1.4 output with audio return channel. The SC-HTB10 features an integrated subwoofer and is ideal for televisions up to 42-inches, while the SC-HTB500 is designed for larger screen TV displays and comes with a separate wireless subwoofer.

Both surround bar systems deliver dialogue that is crisp and clear. This is made possible by the advanced bamboo cone speaker design and Clear-Mode Dialogue, which makes the sound seem like it is coming from the center of the TV display. With more precise linking of the picture and the sound, the result is clean pure sound for dialogue voices on video and vocals on music.

The new systems boast a rich sound experience that belies their sleek and compact silhouettes. The SC-HTB10 measures only 31-1/2 inches wide, and the SC-HTB500 has a width of 41-1/2 inches. Both models feature 2.1-channel audio. The SC-HTB10 features an integrated subwoofer with both forward and rear firing woofers. The SC-HTB500 boasts a wireless powered Kelton Subwoofer for more robust and dynamic bass sound.

Connection and installation could not be easier, thanks to the systems’ compatibility with ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows receiving audio signals from the TV. Simply place it in front of the television or wall mount for a custom installation (via supplied wall mounts) and connect it with just one HDMI cable.

Available this month, the SC-HTB10 carries a suggested retail price of $199.95. The SC-HTB500 will be available in August 2010, with a suggested retail price of $349.95.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.